The funeral for a 58-year-old Massachusetts State Police trooper—who died last week, two-years after being struck by a car driven by a Haverhill man—takes place Thursday in Wilmington.
Thomas W. Devlin was struck during the afternoon of July 26, 2018 while stopping an automobile on Route 3 in Billerica. While outside of his cruiser, he was struck by another car and suffered severe injuries. He underwent numerous, related surgeries over the last two years.
“Trooper Thomas Devlin upheld the highest ideals of the Massachusetts State Police: integrity, dedication to duty, and service to others,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher S. Mason. “He loved and respected the job, and the job loved and respected him. Above all, he was utterly devoted to his family, and epitomized what it meant to be a loving husband and father. Trooper Devlin was known in the Department for his hard work, his rock-solid character and his commitment to be being a reliable friend, co-worker and public servant — a trooper who could be counted on by his colleagues and the public. It was in service to the public, in the act of keeping our roads safe, that he gave his last, and the ultimate, sacrifice. We are lesser today for his loss and we will miss his smile.”
The Haverhill driver was charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and failure to move over for an emergency vehicle.
Devlin’s funeral takes place Thursday, Sept. 10, from 4-8 p.m., at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Route 62), Wilmington. A Celebration of his life takes place Friday, Sept. 11, at noon on the Wilmington High School Field, Wildwood Street, Wilmington. Interment follows at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.